Lily and the Duke by Helen Hardt Read Free Book Online Page A

martyr’s blood mixing with the blood of Christ.”
    “My God, he was a genius,” Lily whispered. She couldn’t tear her eyes away. “I wish I could paint like that.”
    Daniel moved closer behind her and wrapped his arms around her waist, encircling her. Lily absently settled her hands on his and continued to admire the painting.
    “Have you ever tried oils?” Daniel asked.
    “No, but I’ve always wanted to. My father has had a hard time indulging my artistic side. He would rather I stitch samplers and find a husband. He allows my dalliance with watercolor; however, he feels that oil painting is for more…masculine endeavors. I was never allowed to try them.” She leaned back against him. The nearness of his hard muscled form warmed her through. His breath tickled her cheek. Being in his arms felt…good.
    “That’s a pity,” he said. “I’d love to see what you could do with them.”
    “So would I, Your Grace.”
    He gently turned her around to face him. “Daniel,” he said softly.
    “I’m sorry?”
    “I want you to use my name. My Christian name.”
    “Oh, I couldn’t. It wouldn’t be proper—”
    Then his mouth was on hers, slowly sliding over her lips, coaxing them open. He nipped gently at her lower lip, teasing her with his tongue. She sighed as he licked her softly. She was kissing him again. In his bedchamber. She should be fleeing, but her legs wouldn’t move. Didn’t want to move…
    He trailed to her cheek and covered it with soft fluttery kisses that felt like the wings of a butterfly, and then slid to her ear and nipped lightly on the lobe.
    “Say my name,” he whispered. “I want it to drip from your ruby lips like a fine Bordeaux. I want to feel the silky caress as you whisper it against my neck. I want to hear you sob it into my mouth as I kiss you. Please, Lily. Say my name.”
    She shuddered. His husky voice made her knees tremble. Was it possible that underneath this renowned blackguard lurked the soul of a poet? Or was this just a practiced technique in seduction? As he slid his lips over her neck and face and her heart thumped wildly, she couldn’t bring herself to care.
    “Daniel,” she moaned softly. “Oh, Daniel.”
    He groaned. “Oh yes, love. Kiss me.”
    Despite her better judgment, she responded with innocent eagerness, finding his mouth with hers and letting her tongue wander apprehensively into his warmth. He took her tongue, mated it with his, sucking it gently and then freeing it to explore him. She let it roam over his full lips, sucking them and biting them gently, as little moans escaped from her throat. His lips were firm yet soft on hers, and he tasted of honey. Mmm, delicious. Her blood boiled as his lips meandered over her cheek to her neck.
    “God, you smell so heavenly.” He covered her smooth skin with kisses. “I haven’t been able to think about anything but this since last night. I couldn’t eat. I couldn’t sleep. All I wanted was to see you again.”
    He pressed his lips to her neck and covered it with gentle little bites while he roamed his fingers over her hips and up towards her breasts. Gently he slid his hands over her bosom. She gasped as her breasts swelled and her nipples tightened into hard little knobs. He trailed kisses down to the neckline of her gown and then back up to her lips again. Lily panted, trying to get closer to him. When his arousal nudged against her body, a stabbing desire ran through her womb.
    “Lily,” he whispered. “Please, Lily.” He urged her toward the bed.
    No! This was no love-struck adolescent stealing kisses. This was the Duke of Lybrook, rake extraordinaire and seducer of women. Her heart pounded against her sternum. How had she let this get so far? She pushed Daniel away, the suction of their kiss breaking with a loud smack.
    “I can’t do this.” She backed away from him, keeping her hands behind her. She fumbled for a table or a chair, anything to help maintain her balance.
    “I didn’t